Microplastics and Intimate Toys: A Concerning Trend?

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous in the modern world. Humans are exposed to MNPs through inhalation and ingestion, with a small amount of transdermal uptake. MNPs recently have been identified in the human placenta and endometrium. Although the source of placental MNPs is consistent with haematogenous spread, the presence of MNPs in the endometrium is more puzzling. As small particles can move retrograde from the vagina to the fallopian tubes, two unsuspected MNP sources are tampons and intimate toys. Intimate toys, in particular, might well be an important source of reproductive tract MNPs with intercourse as a potential co-vector.